Hot Edge Detection (HED) allows for the collection of information on the shape change that takes place during forging in real time. Integrating HED will provide a reliable and automatic geometry measurement, which provides a better understanding of the microstructural evolution that takes place during forging.

Despite being one of the oldest manufacturing methods, there is still much to be understood about the complexity of the forging process. However, the forging of metals has certainly come a long way since it first came to prominence in the 13th century and has evolved beyond recognition in the last 800 years.